Chapter 162: “climbing High Branches”
That afternoon.
The Gu family’s third branch’s housewarming banquet began.
The Wei family of four was also present.
The twins liked Brother Shitou and Brother Shitou Di, and always sat with them during meals.
Heng Bao’s eyes were sparkling. He looked at Xiao Shitou and said, “Xiao Shitou, you played so well just now, Chang Sheng was utterly defeated by you. How did you train? Teach me, I want to become very good too.”
Among the big friends in Fengshou Brigade, Chang Sheng was the best at table tennis. Even the older kids couldn’t beat him. To think he was so easily defeated by Xiao Shitou. The Gu family’s children watched him with admiration.
Xiao Shitou, usually a very shy little friend, was full of confidence and shone when he played table tennis. He was fierce.
Now, praised by Heng Bao and watched by a line of cousins, the little fellow was so nervous his nose tip was sweating. He lowered his head, as if the ground held Da Tuan Jie.
“Third Uncle gave him the racket, and Xiao Shitou practiced every day. He played with all the village children. If other kids didn’t play with him, he practiced alone. As he practiced, his skills improved significantly, and soon even my father couldn’t beat him,” Da Shitou explained for his speechless younger brother.
Heng Bao, imitating his mother’s tone when praising himself, praised his little cousin.
“Wow, Xiao Shitou can even beat Uncle! That’s amazing! Uncle is an adult, and he can’t even beat a child. Xiao Shitou is truly amazing!”
Hearing this over-the-top praise, Xiao Shitou buried his head even lower.
He felt a pure white butterfly land in his heart, and joyous bubbles gurgled in his small chest.
The little fellow, rarely praised so directly, was very happy.
Seeing his brother silent, Da Shitou patted his back and said sternly, “Chest up, head up.”
“When someone praises you, how should you respond? I’ve taught you this.”
Xiao Shitou looked at him timidly.
His older brother worried, “You’ll be representing the country in competitions in the future. Will you be like this even if you win the championship? You’ll be laughed at by those foreigners with yellow hair and blue eyes!”
Da Shitou patted Xiao Shitou’s head, “You haven’t eaten anyone else’s rice, lift your head.”
Xiao Shitou stared blankly at the chopsticks in his hand.
The chopsticks held a piece of oily meat.
He said softly, “…I ate it, and it was meat.”
He said it shyly and bashfully.
Da Shitou: “…”
“Pfft—”
Instantly.
Laughter echoed throughout the yard.
Gu Mu hugged Xiao Shitou, her eyes crinkling with laughter, “Oh, my Grandma’s Shitou.”
Xiao Shitou’s eyes were wet, his cheeks burning. He forgot how to hold his chopsticks.
Gu Chan chuckled, “So silly.”
Lin Zhao, beside her, said, “He’s just a bit slow. How cute. I like Xiao Shitou’s temperament.”
He was a bit like Tie Chui, not having many schemes.
Glancing at Yao Bao with food on her face, Lin Zhao took out a handkerchief and wiped her daughter’s little face.
The little dumpling gave a sweet smile. Her tiny hands held a small spoon, scooping a spoonful of rice cereal and bringing it to her mouth. She was so small, her hands weren’t very agile. She meant to put it in her mouth, but a few sticky grains of rice appeared on her fair, soft face, like a glutinous rice ball.
“Wiping it won’t help,” Lin Zhao said helplessly. She decided to stop bothering and wait until her daughter finished eating.
Gu Chan chided, “Children this age are all like this. She’ll be better when she gets older.”
After a few days working at the supply and marketing cooperative, she had become more confident!
The charm of an iron rice bowl.
Lin Zhao looked at her elder sister-in-law, her beautiful eyes curving slightly.
Gu Chan felt shy being looked at by her sister-in-law and averted her gaze, “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Big Sister has changed,” Lin Zhao said, her tone casual yet serious.
Gu Chan was confused, “…Huh? Me? How have I changed?”
“You’ve become more confident! You’re glowing!” Lin Zhao praised.
Wei Xiangdong slapped his thigh, staring at Gu Chan, his eyes and eyebrows full of pride, “See, I wasn’t wrong! You look even more energetic after starting work!”
Gu Chan angrily pinched his arm, gritting her teeth, “What’s it to you! Eat your food!”
Wei Xiangdong looked at her flushed face and smiled even wider, not minding the slight pain.
“How is it none of my business? You’re my wife, the mother of my son. It’s very much my business!”
His Ah Chan, standing at the counter of the supply and marketing cooperative, was glowing, completely captivating him.
He needed to work harder and try to buy Ah Chan a job before the year’s end.
Gu Chan didn’t know what her husband was thinking. Seeing Wei Xiangdong being so shameless in front of her family, she wished she could kick him away.
Ignoring the man who was acting erratically, she put a piece of eggplant on Da Shitou’s plate.
She was clumsily changing the subject.
“This braised eggplant is your great aunt’s specialty. It’s rare to get to eat it.”
People nowadays weren’t picky eaters. Conditions were harsh, and just filling their stomachs was difficult. They couldn’t be so fussy.
Da Shitou mixed it with his rice and nodded repeatedly.
“It’s delicious!”
The chefs for today’s housewarming banquet were Huang Xiulan and Zhao Liuniang. With so many guests, preparing this meal required a lot of effort. Lin Zhao didn’t want to endure this hardship.
The Gu family wasn’t formal; they talked while eating, creating a lively atmosphere.
Lin Zhao leaned over and said to Gu Chan, “Big Sister, Cheng Huai has told you, right? You can cover my shift for a few more days. You can have the salary for these days. After he returns to the troops… I’ll come back to work.”
Gu Chan then understood why Zhao Zhao wasn’t rushing back to work; she wanted to spend more time with Cheng Huai.
She felt a pang of sympathy for her sister-in-law.
Cheng Huai was good and great, but he wasn’t a good husband or father to Zhao Zhao and their four children.
Gu Chan didn’t want to spoil the mood, so she didn’t reveal any emotions on her face.
Her gaze softened, “He told me.”
“There’s no need for a salary. The work at the supply and marketing cooperative is easy, only half a day, not strenuous at all, and it doesn’t affect me much. Don’t worry about it.”
Lin Zhao shook her head and deliberately said, “How can I let you work for free? If you don’t take a salary, then I’ll just go back to work earlier.”
Gu Chan’s intention was for Zhao Zhao to have more time with Cheng Huai.
Hearing this, she quickly said, “I’ll take it, I’ll take the salary.”
At worst, she could use that money to buy treats for Yu Bao and Heng Bao. She was their aunt, and it was normal for her to buy things for the four children!
“That’s more like it,” Lin Zhao said, her expression relaxed.
Her elder sister-in-law was a good person, and she shouldn’t bully an honest one.
Gu Chan felt helpless but her heart was warm.
Their conversation didn’t interfere with their meal.
Gradually, the plates on the table became empty.
Adults and children, holding their bellies, looked content.
Building a house was a big event. Gu Cheng Huai bought a bottle of wine, and the men each had a couple of drinks. Their faces were slightly flushed, but they weren’t drunk, just tipsy.
“Bang!”
The new courtyard gate was kicked open.
A young girl, full of rage, strode in.
It was Gu Xing’er, who had just been released.
Her appearance made Heng Bao exclaim, “Ah, bad Auntie is back! Da Huang, Amber, stop her, don’t let her in!”
Da Huang obeyed every command from its owners. Hearing the order, its imposing body approached Gu Xing’er. It crouched, baring its teeth, trying to scare away the “intruder.” Its two front paws gripped the ground, ready to spring.
“Woof—” it growled.
Da Huang, raised by Lin Zhao, was sleek and shiny, and a whole size larger than before. It never bared its teeth normally, staying by the side of the four children like a loyal guard.
This was the first time it had bared its fangs since being adopted, and it looked terrifying.
Gu Xing’er was afraid of fierce dogs. Facing Da Huang’s warning, her limbs stiffened, and she didn’t dare to move.
She looked up at the Gu family and said unceremoniously, “What are you all standing around for? Hurry and help me!”
Gu Cheng Huai frowned.
Did his little sister always speak to the family like this?
He had received a call from Gu Xing’er earlier, and she had sounded arrogant. He had assumed it was a reaction born of desperation, but now, looking at her, it was clear she was spoiled.
“Gu Xing’er, who are you talking to!” Gu Cheng Huai’s expression soured.
A flicker of annoyance crossed Gu Xing’er’s eyes.
She had intended to behave well before coming.
She softened her tone and said aggrievedly, “Third Brother, I’m afraid of dogs.”
Gu Cheng Huai raised an eyebrow, the pressure from his dark eyes palpable, “Just because you’re afraid of dogs, you can speak to the family like this?”
“Get out,” he said impatiently.
Gu Xing’er’s face stiffened slightly, “…Third Brother.”
“Don’t make me say it a second time,” Gu Cheng Huai said sternly.
Gu Xing’er glared at Lin Zhao with hatred in her eyes and blurted out, “Did you, this woman, say bad things about me to my Third Brother? You’ve already ruined me like this, why are you still instigating trouble between me and Third Brother? Why are you so malicious…”
Upon hearing this, everyone present changed their expressions.
Gu Qingzhou felt his sister was being unreasonable and stopped her, “Gu Xing’er, that’s enough!”
“Not enough!” Gu Xing’er shouted, her emaciated face contorted. She wished she could scratch Lin Zhao’s face, “Lin Zhao, tell me, did you tell my Third Brother to ignore me! What did I do to you, why are you treating me like this!”
Lin Zhao glanced at her indifferently and said nothing.
What was she talking about? She was Gu Cheng Huai’s biological sister, and her in-laws, who treated her and the children well, were all present. It was better to ignore her.
As it turned out, ignoring her was the right approach.
Gu Xing’er felt like she had punched cotton. Her face looked unpleasant, but with the fierce dog in front of her, she dared not step forward. She was furious.
Lin Zhao said nothing, but Gu Cheng Huai couldn’t stand anyone shouting at his wife. “Gu Xing’er.”
He called Gu Xing’er by her full name. His voice was not loud, but his tone was very cold.
“I’m not dead yet,” Gu Cheng Huai’s eyes were icy. He warned again, “Get out.”
“Don’t anger me.”
Gu Xing’er froze, looking at him in disbelief, “Third Brother, you’re yelling at me. You’re yelling at me for this woman. I’m your biological sister.”
She cried angrily, “You didn’t save me when I was taken away and suffered so much. I finally came back and saw you, and you’re yelling at me. Are you still my Third Brother…”
Gu Cheng Huai’s expression was blank, “No longer.”
Who has this kind of sister is just unlucky.
Gu Xing’er choked, her crying stopped, and she almost forgot how to cry.
Seeing that her Third Brother was unyielding, she stomped her foot fiercely and rushed out quickly.
The Gu family’s expressions were all complicated.
Their younger sister-in-law was back, and there would be no peace.
So annoying.
Gu Mu’s head was aching terribly. She comforted Lin Zhao a few words and then took Gu Fu and called others to go home.
As her left foot stepped out of the main door, her voice was filled with worry, “Let’s walk faster, walk faster, don’t let that bringer of death ruin the house!”
Hearing this, Huang Xiulan and Zhao Liuniang’s expressions changed slightly, and they quickened their pace towards home.
From a distance, they saw the main gate was open.
The two women exchanged glances, and a tacit understanding formed.
They caught Gu Xing’er, who was stealing food in the kitchen. Seeing her eating a bottle of fruit preserves that the third son’s wife had given the children, they were furious. They rushed over, pinching and kicking, taking revenge for their grudges.
“Shameless thing!” Huang Xiulan cursed, snatching the can away. Seeing that less than half was left, she wished she could smash Gu Xing’er’s face.
They were so reluctant to even drink the syrup from this can, and she was eating it like a meal!
Why wouldn’t she choke to death!
Thinking of how Alan and Yu Yu’s reputations were affected, she kicked her.
Gu Xing’er dodged, “Are you crazy!”
Before she could retort further.
Zhao Liuniang’s thin but strong hand struck, “Where did this thief come from!”
Her blows were fierce. In the small kitchen, only the sound of slapping could be heard, “I’ll make you steal! I’ll make you steal!”
Gu Xing’er cried out in pain.
“It’s me, are you blind? This is my home, what am I stealing!” she retorted while dodging.
Gu Xing’er was lazy and weak, her strength like a little chick. Either Huang Xiulan or Zhao Liuniang could lift her. The two women treated her like an enemy soldier, so how could she dodge? She took several hits.
Until…
Footsteps were heard from outside the kitchen.
Gu Mu’s figure appeared, “Gu Xing’er, what are you causing now!”
“What am I causing!” Gu Xing’er retorted, “I’m hungry, and I came back to my own home to eat. What’s wrong with that!”
Zhao Liuniang spoke quickly, “Mother, my sister-in-law and I are not malicious people. If our sister-in-law wants to find something to eat… we have nothing to say. But she… she ate the children’s canned fruit without a word. That was a reward from Third Sister-in-law for Yu Yu and the others. The children were reluctant to eat it, and as soon as she came back, she snatched the children’s snacks. What kind of aunt is like this!”
Gu Mu looked at Gu Xing’er with disappointment.
She really didn’t know what to do with this youngest daughter.
Hitting was useless, scolding was useless. She was a troublemaker; the house was never quiet when she was around.
“…Go find your Grandma. Don’t come back again.”
Before she was caught, Gu Xing’er lived at Gu Er Shu’s house. Life there wasn’t as good as at the Gu family’s. Her cousins’ wives were indifferent to her, they didn’t help her wash clothes, they didn’t cook for her, and the food was oily. She had wanted to come back for a long time!
“I’m not leaving, this is my home!”
Afraid of being kicked out, she grabbed her luggage from the corner and rushed to her room.
Upon entering, she saw signs of life in the room, all Gu Qingzhou’s things. Her face was filled with hatred.
Grandma was right; these people didn’t treat her as family.
She carelessly threw Gu Qingzhou’s belongings into a corner and stomped on them several times to vent her anger.
Knock, knock, knock.
The sound of knocking on the door.
Gu Qingzhou’s calm voice rang out, “Open the door, I need to get something.”
Gu Xing’er opened the door and pointed to the floor, “It’s all there, pick it up yourself!”
She sneered, a provocative smile on her face, “This is my room. Even if I don’t live here, no one can occupy it. Next time, I’ll cut up all your things and burn them!”
Gu Qingzhou saw the footprints on his clothes. He gave Gu Xing’er a deep look, his heart completely turning cold. “Gu Xing’er, you are truly detestable.”
“I always thought you were young and never argued with you. Now I realize you are simply selfish, not only selfish but also malicious. From now on… I will pretend I don’t have a sister like you.”
After speaking, he gathered his belongings without looking at Gu Xing’er and left with them.
Gu Mu waited outside the door.
The moment she saw the black footprints on her youngest son’s textbook.
She immediately realized something.
She knocked on the door with a bang, bang, bang.
“Gu Xing’er, did you throw away your brother’s things?”
“How could I have given birth to such an ungrateful creature like you? Your Fourth Brother always lets you have your way, and this is how you repay him? Come out here!”
Gu Xing’er sat up from the bed and said loudly towards the door, “How am I ungrateful? This is my room, and I don’t want anyone living in it, especially Gu Qingzhou. I hate him to death!”
When Gu Qingzhou completely treated Gu Xing’er as a stranger, any harsh words she spoke could not hurt him.
He stopped his mother, who was about to defend him, “Mother, I’m fine. Ignore her.”
Meeting her youngest son’s indifferent eyes, Gu Mu was stunned and sighed softly.
After a long while, she said, “From now on… you and Xing’er, if you can get along, do so. If not, just ignore her.”
She was a mother and wanted her children to have deep affection and support each other. Saying this, her heart ached dully.
But there was no other way.
If they couldn’t get along, they couldn’t get along, even siblings.
Gu Qingzhou was silent for a moment, “Thank you, Mother.”
“I’m glad you don’t blame me,” Gu Mu wiped her eyes. “I shouldn’t have asked you to yield to Xing’er. You’re only two minutes older than her. I’m sorry, dear.”
Qingzhou shook his head, “I don’t blame you, Mother.”
He gave a bitter smile, “I overestimated myself. I thought… I could teach her well.”
The saying that you can tell a person’s character at three years old is true.
A person who has gone astray will not grow straight no matter how much you try.
“It’s not your fault either,” Gu Mu said. “Xing’er is not your responsibility. It’s Father and I who didn’t raise her well.”
Qingzhou didn’t want to dwell on who was right or wrong anymore. “Mother, with her returning, the family…” He hesitated to speak.
Gu Mu understood his unspoken meaning.
“It’s okay, at most we can separate the households. There will be a way.”
Separate households?
Gu Qingzhou thought it was a viable solution.
He saw clearly that Gu Xing’er had returned purely to shirk responsibility, wanting someone to wash her clothes, cook for her, and sleep until she woke up naturally, doing nothing. If they separated the households, her plan wouldn’t work!
“You and Father decide. I have no opinion. I’m about to start high school and won’t be home much, so Father and Mother don’t need to consider me. I agree with separating the households.”
The reason the Gu family hadn’t separated their households was not because Gu Mu was greedy for power, but because the youngest two were unmarried.
Now, hearing Qingzhou say this, Gu Mu’s desire to separate the households became clearer.
Returning to the main house, she sat by the bed and said to Gu Fu, who was putting tobacco into his pipe, “Old man, what do you think about… separating the households?”
With a “duang” sound.
Gu Fu’s old pipe fell from his hand, spilling some tobacco. The old man was heartbroken and carefully picked it up, stuffing it back in.
He looked at his wife, “Why do you suddenly want to separate the households?”
“Qingzhou is still in school. It’s too early to separate the households now.”
Did Gu Mu not know it was too early? But there was no other way.
“Xing’er insists on coming back. As parents, we can’t just kick her out, but her temperament…”
She shook her head, “The eldest son’s wife and the second son’s wife are both annoyed with her. They won’t indulge her like before. Then… have you considered what will happen?”
Gu Fu hadn’t lit his pipe. He frowned and took a couple of empty puffs, his frustration only increasing.
“Xing’er has no sense of being an elder. She even wanted to hit Yu Bao and Heng Bao before. Now that she’s moved back, who knows if she’ll hit Li Bao and Yu Yu,” Gu Mu didn’t think she was being alarmist; this was a very likely scenario.
She also worried that if Xing’er lived in the old house, the third son’s wife might not visit anymore, and those four children would definitely not come either. Then it would be inconvenient to see her grandchildren!
Gu Fu had also considered these matters.
He made a decision on the spot, “Xing’er will be seventeen next year, and she doesn’t want to continue studying. Let’s find a few matchmakers…”
For elders, they preferred not to separate households and liked lively gatherings.
In the countryside, many girls got married at seventeen or eighteen. Girls her age were already married. She was only born into the Gu family and had a capable Third Brother, otherwise, she wouldn’t have had the chance to study.
Gu Mu had no objections, but she was a little worried, “Your daughter has high standards. She’s set on marrying into a wealthy family in the city. I’m afraid her mouth will offend the matchmakers!”
Gu Fu: “…”
Indeed, that was a problem.
“…Find more matchmakers. Try to find her a son-in-law from the city?” His tone lacked conviction.
Gu Mu glared at him, “Don’t you think people in the city are picky?”
I’m very sorry. I had to work overtime until past midnight and only finished writing now. Treasured Ones, you’ve waited a long time. （ Bows ）
I’m very sorry, I’ve been busy lately and haven’t been updating on time. (﹏)
An extra update of 1.3k. Thank you, Treasured Ones, for your support and understanding~~
